What is your teaching philosophy?

Easy going, and I try to relate to the interests of students. I love examples! Personally, I am a visual learner and like to write down pathways and make flashcards.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Learn what the student specifically needs help with. Talk about likes and dislikes of the topic that they are looking to get help in. Describe how I believe I can best help them succeed.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will help the student gain the study skills necessary to learn on their own. If possible, I will try to implement a routine to help the student study in a timely basis.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Take the material one step at a time. Take frequent breaks when needed. Integrate new and unique approaches to the material. Maintain a positive attitude!

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I would try to break the concept down into smaller components. I would hit the main points first, and then go into more detail. Then I would ask the student questions to make sure they understand the concept.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I would teach the student how to read critically. I believe that annotating as you read is the best way to remember information from the passage. I would then show the student how to use these skills.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I would try to show my passion for the subject and teach it in an upbeat way. I would also use visuals or try to relate the subject to an interest that the student had.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

I would ask questions as we move along. I would try to have the student teach me back the material. If the student misses some information or is struggling, I would re-teach the concept in a different way.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I would have the student teach me back the material. I believe that students learn best (as well as gain confidence) when they teach the information to someone else.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I would use whatever materials the student is most comfortable with!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask the student questions to see what needs to be worked on and what the student is confident with.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Ask the student what they know about the topic in question. That way, I can get a sense of exactly what we should focus on.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I am very adaptable. Each person has their own learning style. I will do my best to teach in a way that will allow the student to learn. I will focus on the areas the student feels weakest, and then work on their strongest areas.